Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on assessing on a newborn infant. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse is preparing to perform an initial assessment on an infant born with craniosynostosis. Which finding should the nurse anticipate?
A. Absence of a fontanelle
B. Caput succedaneum
C. Cephalohematoma
D. Seborrheic dermatitis
Scroll down for the correct answer!
Check out our NCLEX-RN Study Plan Guide!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. Absence of a fontanelle
Rationale: An absence of a fontanelle, or soft spot, is a clinical finding associated with craniosynostosis.
Main Takeaway
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which one or more of the sutures, or joints, between the bones in a baby’s skull close prematurely. The first sign of craniosynostosis is an abnormally shaped skull which can vary depending on the affected suture. Other clinical findings may include an absence of a soft spot on the baby’s skull, called a fontanelle; a raised firm edge where the sutures close; and delayed or absence of growth in the baby’s head size over time.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
B. Caput succedaneum
Rationale: Caput succedaneum is not a clinical finding associated with craniosynostosis. Caput succedaneum refers to swelling across the suture lines and is a common and anticipated finding in a newborn.
C. Cephalohematoma
Rationale: A cephalohematoma is not a clinical finding associated with craniosynostosis. A cephalohematoma refers to a pooling of blood under the scalp that does not cross the suture lines and is a finding associated with trauma to the head that occurs during birth.
D. Seborrheic dermatitis
Rationale: Seborrheic dermatitis is not a clinical finding associated with craniosynostosis. Instead, this is a harmless rash that appears on an infant’s head, also known as cradle cap.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Watch the Osmosis video: Craniosynostosis: Nursing
Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis from Elsevier today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
Leave a Reply